She turned a deaf ear to her mother's calls, immersed in her own pain.

After what happened last night, after I pushed Julia Bluen out of the room... The more I thought about it, the more heartbroken I became. Only now do I realize how truly fragile I am. All my strength, all my indifference—it was all a façade.

In my hand, I still clutched the men's necklace with the engraved word 'Black' on it. In just one night, it has become entangled with such complex emotions. I hate its owner for taking my innocence when I wasn't in my right mind, yet this man was also my first. No matter the circumstances, a woman never easily forgets her first man. I also wonder why he left this necklace. Was it so he could come back to find me later? To take responsibility?

And what does he even look like?

What worries me most, looking far into the future, is whether, if I one day move on from this and start a new life with new hopes, this man will suddenly appear and ruthlessly shatter the happiness I've worked so hard to find.

And then there's Orlando Evans!

I really want to ask Orlando why she did this to me. Weren't we the best of friends?

I know I dragged Orlando down with me, but I can offer compensation in any form she desires. So why did she have to ruin me?

"Adele!"

Several people rushed forward as Mila Anderson embraced her with a pained heart, speaking in a hoarse voice, "Poor child, it's all Mom's fault. I didn't care enough for you, leaving you so alone, and that's why you fell into Orlando's trap. Child, it's Mom who's at fault. If you want to hate or blame someone, hate and blame Mom." Mila began to sob with self-reproach.

During those sleepless nights, I reflected a lot too. I feel that, despite loving my children dearly, I've spent far too little time with them, especially with Adele.

"Big Brother!"

Adele Horne suddenly pulled away from Mila Anderson's embrace, her eyes lifting to meet those of Glades Horne. His handsome face was grim, but his eyes couldn't hide his concern for her as she called out to him.

A flicker of determination also passed through her eyes. I want to see Orlando. I want to personally ask her if, after all these years, she ever truly considered me a friend.

As she lifted her gaze, the pain and helplessness seemed to be swept away, replaced by strength.

Perhaps it was because of the strong-willed Horne blood flowing in her veins. Yes, I can feel helpless, I can feel pain, but I won't be like others who would grieve for a lifetime over such an incident, unable to step out of the shadows, let alone contemplate suicide. I'm still intent on finding that man.

"Big Brother," Adele Horne called out again. Only after Glades Horne took two steps forward to stand by Mila Anderson's side did she say, "Can I borrow Sister-in-law? I want her to accompany me somewhere."

Glades Horne didn't answer immediately, but said deeply, "Wherever you want to go, I'll accompany you."

It seems that ever since I took over Valence Group, as her elder brother, I've barely spent any time with my sister. Besides, there's a ten-year age gap between us, and I still treat her like a child.

Adele Horne shook her head, insisting, "I just need my sister-in-law to accompany me."

"Adele, Julia is pregnant. Wherever you want to go, Mom can accompany you, and any of your brothers can too. Let's not trouble your sister-in-law. She blamed herself too much yesterday and isn't in a good mood. She hasn't even gotten up yet, so let her rest properly for the day. She has to go to work tomorrow," Mila Anderson urged. Ever since Julia got pregnant, I've subconsciously put her needs first. I can't help it; she carries the grandchild I long for.

"Mom, Glades, just let me accompany Adele. We'll be fine." Julia Bluen suddenly walked in from outside. When Glades Horne had gotten up, even though his movements were very gentle as he hadn't wanted to disturb her, she had still awoken the moment he left. Perhaps it's because we've shared a bed as husband and wife for two months now. I've grown accustomed to resting on his arm, to his scent, to feeling his warmth as I fall asleep, and I can tell whenever he leaves. Likewise, he knew whenever she was gone.

In the short span of two months, the couple had become indispensable to each other, deeply devoted and unable to be apart.

"Julia," Glades called out softly, his voice filled with concern, unsure where his sister intended to take his beloved wife.

James Horne stood at the very back. When Julia walked past him, his gaze couldn't help but follow her for a full minute until he met the cold look thrown his way by his elder brother, causing him to gloomily retract his pursuing gaze.

Julia walked up to Glades, reached out, and gently caressed his handsome face. In front of so many people, she boldly stroked his cheek. Her slender, fair hands were gentle, carrying a deep sense of comfort. Glades Horne didn't stop her caress but gazed deeply at her instead.

Their eyes met, communicating silently.

In their eyes, there was only each other.

After a few minutes, Glades Horne silently nodded.

Thus, twenty minutes later, Julia Bluen was driving, taking Adele Horne away from the Horne family villa.

Glades Horne stood on the top floor, silently watching his wife depart.

During our silent eye conversation earlier, Julia's gaze was pleading. She was telling me with her eyes that if I want Adele to truly accept her as a sister-in-law from now on, then right now, when Adele needs someone by her side the most, I should let her step in.

What she's always wanted is family harmony.

So, he granted her wish.

Whatever she wants, I'll fulfill unconditionally. After all, with unseen Bodyguards in tow, I don't have to worry about the safety of my wife and sister.

With his intelligence, he had guessed that his sister probably wanted to go to the Police Station to see Orlando Evans. This is good. It's time for my sister to confirm that Orlando Evans has been using her all these years. It's time for her to truly mature and learn to judge people properly from now on.

「T City Police Station.」

After ten years of acquaintance, the two who once seemed like sisters finally met again.

The two sat in a room with a table between them. Adele Horne was accompanied by Julia Bluen, while Orlando Evans sat alone. A female police officer stood behind Orlando, and another police officer was stationed at the doorway.